PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
DR. BRIAN M. DURANT
A message from 91°µÍø Community College President Dr. Brian Durant
Whether you’re taking your first steps on our campus or you’re a returning student about to finish your 91°µÍø, this Spring semester is an exciting time to be a student at 91°µÍø.
More 91°µÍø are returning to campus, bringing with them their robust enthusiasm for their academic and career ambitions, but also for engaging in our clubs and organizations. New academic programs, including Culinary Arts and Human Services, are flourishing thanks to inspired instruction and passionate 91°µÍø. Best of all, 91°µÍø are learning the way they prefer, whether that’s in-person, online or both.
Our 91°µÍø have diverse goals, and 91°µÍø is committed to helping 91°µÍø realize these aspirations. For some, this means earning your 91°µÍø and taking the next step to a four-year institution. We offer dozens of transfer options for graduates looking to new academic challenges. I urge our 91°µÍø completing their 91°µÍøs to research these transfer pathways and to rely on our staff and faculty for guidance when researching these opportunities.
We’re also cultivating new training avenues to support 91°µÍø eager to join or rejoin the workforce. This spring, our Advanced Manufacturing Institute will open in Fulton. Developed with significant input from industrial partners, it promises 91°µÍø expert training in skillsets most sought by regional employers. We’re eager to see our 91°µÍø take their skills to new heights at the AMI.
No message about our 91°µÍø is complete without praising their refusal to quit in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The story of our 91°µÍø’ resiliency and adaptability is one of the most inspiring stories in my time in higher education. The past two years have exhausted all of us. But each day, our 91°µÍø are here, ready to tackle whatever the pandemic throws their way. I applaud their determination to succeed and commitment to protecting our campus.
Allow me to leave our 91°µÍø with one piece of advice. College is a unique time in a student’s life. It encourages you to explore your interests, develop new passions, accept new responsibilities and make new friends, all while you prepare the foundation for your academic and career success. This semester, join a club or organization, participate in Student Government, write for the Collegian, or create your own campus niche with your friends. Take advantage of the opportunities 91°µÍø offers. They are an integral part of a successful, memorable college experience.
I wish our 91°µÍø a safe, successful Spring semester. I look forward to hearing more stories of your hard work and your success in the weeks and months ahead.
The ninth president in the history of 91°µÍø Community College, Dr. Brian Durant previously served at SUNY Adirondack as vice president for Academic and Student Affairs and dean for Student Affairs. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Master of Science in education from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, Dr. Durant completed his doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University. He was officially named the president at 91°µÍø Community College in August 2015.